Trust workshops in traditional earth-building techniques

Budding builders can get their hands dirty and get an insight into traditional building methods used in the Kincardineshire and Angus area at clay-building workshops organised by the National Trust for Scotland this May.

Experts from the charity’s Little Houses Improvement Scheme have organised the free public events for Friday 2 May and Saturday 3 May at the House of Dunn, near Montrose, Angus.

The Trust is currently restoring one of the most complete surviving examples of mudwall buildings in the Angus area at Logie Schoolhouse. Clay was a commonly used construction material across Scotland, until the 18th century and examples can be found in the area straddling the Kincardineshire and Angus boundary, from Brechin to Auchenblae and Edzell to Montrose.

The events will cover both the theory of earth building and conservation, as well as practical workshops. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours of the conservation works at Logie Schoolhouse. These events are free of charge through the generous support of the National Lottery’s Awards for All programme and the efforts of the Trust’s Angus Members’ Centre.

Siân Loftus, Little Houses Improvement Scheme Manager said:

“Not too many people know that clay was a common building material in Scotland. In fact, there are buildings that may be clad in other materials like lime and cement which conceal this traditional material. The workshops will help owners to identify whether their building is of mudwall construction and provide practical advice on repair and maintenance. The owners of one mudwall house in Luthermuir have already signed up for a workshop. We’d love to hear from other owners in the area.

“These events are a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about the building traditions of their local area to increase their knowledge and get some great hands on experience.”

The morning session will be lead by Tom Morton of Arc Architecture whose practice is at the forefront of earth-building technologies, conservation, and ecological design. Tom also serves as the secretary of Earth Building UK the national organization for earth construction. This session will provide an introduction to Kincardineshire’s and Angus’ earth-building traditions and will focus on key aspects of conservation. The possibilities of earth based materials in modern ecological low carbon design will also be introduced.

The afternoon session will be lead by Becky Little of Little and Davie Construction who specialise in traditional building craft skills and have worked on numerous earth buildings. Becky will be examining the more practical side of earth conservation and construction and participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experience with the material in a wall building exercise.

Guided tours of the ongoing conservation works at Logie Schoolhouse will also be provided in order to showcase the successful repair of a rare and remarkably complete example of a late vernacular earth building which has served its local community both as a school and most recently as a church. The Trust, through its Little Houses Improvement Scheme is currently converting the building into a dwelling.